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Best Time to Visit

Summer December, January, February

Average min – max temperature: 17 – 26 C

Average rainfall: 93mm per month

Average sea temperature: 23C

Although summer in Sydney can be quite warm, the national parks contain an abundance of hidden waterholes and beaches in which to cool off. Pockets of bushland in Sydney Harbour National Park provide protection from the hot sun but there are many areas of exposed coastal heath. Walking along the Coast Track in Royal National Park can be very warm until the afternoon breeze arrives but the clear days make for sweeping views. Animals tend to keep well hidden in shaded areas on hot days so it's not the best time to see them.Â Remember to take at least 2 litres of water with you on a summer day, more if it's hotter. Be prepared for the possibility of afternoon thunder storms.

Autumn March, April, May

Average min – max temperature: 13 – 22 C

Average rainfall: 97mm per month

Average sea temperature: 22C

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Sydney as it's great walking weather. The days can still be warm with a crispness in the morning air, enabling the animals to move around for most of the day. As with all animals, dawn and dusk are the best time to spot them. The ocean is also still warm enough for a refreshing dip.

Winter June, July, August

Average min – max temperature: 7 – 16 C

Average rainfall: 77mm per month

Average sea temperature: 18C

Winter is a superb time to visit Sydney's national parks as the wildflowers are in full bloom. Humpback whales start their migration past Sydney in June and July and can be spotted from the cliff tops in Royal National Park and from North Head and South Head in Sydney Harbour National Park. The Superb Lyrebird is also mating in winter so you may be lucky enough to see their extravagant mating display.

Spring September, October, November

Average min – max temperature: 12 – 22 C

Average rainfall: 73mm per month

Average sea temperature: 19C

Spring is the perfect trans-seasonal time for walking. The bush is coming alive again and all the newborn birds are hatching. Humpback whales and their calves are travelling back south and the sight of a baby humpback breaching beside its mother is a delight. Daylight Savings starts again in October making for long days of light.